Indulge in the irresistible charm of these delightful **Strawberry Crumble Bars**, a perfect treat for any occasion. Imagine a buttery, crispy shortbread base, generously topped with a vibrant, jammy layer of sweet strawberries, and finished with a crunchy, golden oat crumble. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of chewy, gooey, and satisfyingly crunchy textures, making them an absolute pleasure to savor.
Beyond their sensational flavor, these homemade strawberry bars are remarkably quick and easy to prepare, requiring no specialized kitchen equipment. They are a fuss-free dessert that delivers big on taste, proving that delicious baking doesn’t have to be complicated.
“What a fabulous way to use fresh strawberries! I made these crumble bars yesterday and they’ve already disappeared! Next time, a double batch…”★★★★★
– Jacqueline
If you’re a devoted fan of classic, comforting crumbles, then these strawberry streusel bars are destined to become your new favorite. They take all the beloved elements of a traditional strawberry crumble and transform them into convenient, handheld dessert bars, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
I absolutely adore creating pies, tarts, and crumbles because they consistently offer a delightful combination of simplicity and impressive flavor. They demand minimal effort but yield maximum deliciousness. These strawberry crumble bars exemplify this philosophy, boasting a sweet, buttery flavor profile and an incredibly straightforward technique that makes them irresistibly tempting.
Why These Strawberry Crumble Bars Are a Must-Try
These strawberry dessert bars aren’t just another sweet treat; they’re an experience. They capture the essence of summer in every bite, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The golden shortbread base provides a sturdy, rich foundation, while the luscious strawberry filling bursts with natural sweetness and a hint of tang. The oat crumble topping adds a rustic crunch and a nutty depth that elevates the entire bar. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to impress guests or a simple snack to brighten your day, these bars are a fantastic choice. Their portability makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a grab-and-go indulgence.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Crumble Bar
Understanding the components makes baking even more rewarding. A great crumble bar is built on three key layers, each contributing uniquely to the final masterpiece:
- **The Buttery Shortbread Base:** This forms the foundation. It’s pressed firmly into the pan and partially baked to ensure it’s beautifully crisp and golden. The butter content ensures a rich flavor and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- **The Jammy Strawberry Filling:** The heart of the bar. Fresh strawberries are gently macerated with sugar, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a delightful, slightly thickened jam-like consistency. A touch of strawberry jam further enhances the fruit flavor and helps bind the filling.
- **The Crunchy Oat Crumble Topping:** The crown jewel. Made from the same versatile crumble mixture as the base, but with added oats for extra texture. When baked, it turns golden and crisp, offering a wonderful contrast to the soft, fruity filling below.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Crumble Bars
Crafting these delectable strawberry crumble bars requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Butter: This is the foundation of our rich shortbread base and crumble topping. Whether you opt for salted or unsalted, butter provides unparalleled flavor and helps create that irresistible crispy, tender texture. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the bake.
- Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour): The primary dry ingredient for both the base and the crumble. It provides structure and binds all the ingredients together, ensuring a well-formed bar that holds its shape.
- Oats: Integral for the signature chewy texture and rustic flavor of the crumble topping. Rolled oats or jumbo oats are preferred for their substantial texture, adding delightful chewiness and a wholesome feel. Avoid instant or quick oats, which can become mushy.
- Sugar: White caster sugar (superfine sugar) or granulated sugar works perfectly for sweetening both the crumble and the strawberry filling. For a deeper, more caramel-like note, soft light brown sugar can also be used, adding another layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe strawberries are crucial for a juicy, flavorful filling. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness create a vibrant contrast against the buttery crust.
- Strawberry Jam: A secret weapon for intensifying the strawberry flavor and adding a thicker, more “sealed” quality to the fruit layer. It helps to prevent the filling from becoming too watery and adds a luxurious, glossy finish.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors in the crumble, preventing it from tasting flat.
- Vanilla Bean Paste (Optional): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the strawberries beautifully. If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract can be used.
Refer to the recipe card below for precise measurements and a complete list of ingredients.
Substitutions and Creative Variations
One of the best things about these strawberry crumble bars is how adaptable they are. Feel free to experiment with these suggestions to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- For a **gluten-free version**, simply swap the plain flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If your blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, you might need to add a small amount (about ¼ teaspoon per cup of flour) to maintain the texture. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well to avoid cross-contamination.
- Elevate the topping with a sprinkle of **demerara sugar** before baking. This will add a beautiful caramelized crunch and sparkling visual appeal to the streusel.
- **Oats are optional** in crumble recipes. If you don’t have any on hand, simply use an additional 100 grams of plain flour in their place. Remember, for the best texture when using oats, choose jumbo or rolled oats for their robust bite, rather than quick-cooking or instant varieties.
- Introduce a layer of extra texture and flavor by adding a handful of **mixed seeds** (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) or your favorite **chopped nuts** (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans) to the crumble topping.
- While it’s always best to use **fresh strawberries** for optimal texture and flavor, frozen berries can be used with a slight modification. Frozen berries contain more water, which can lead to a soggy bar. To counteract this, toss the frozen strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour (in addition to the sugar) before adding them to the base. The flour will absorb excess moisture, helping to maintain a jammy, not watery, filling.
- To create a **vegan version** of these delectable bars, substitute dairy butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative. Also, double-check that your strawberry jam is vegan-friendly, ensuring it doesn’t contain any animal-derived gelling agents.
- Love the concept of strawberry bars but craving something different? Why not explore other strawberry dessert ideas, like these delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, which offer a creamy, no-bake alternative?
- **Other Fruits:** Feel free to swap strawberries for other seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, mixed berries, or even thinly sliced apples or peaches for a different fruity twist. Adjust sugar content based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.
- **Spices:** A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the crumble mixture can add a lovely warmth and complexity, especially when paired with fruits like apples or peaches, but it also complements strawberries beautifully.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Follow these easy instructions to create perfect strawberry crumble bars every time. Precision and patience are key for the best results!
Begin by combining the plain flour, oats, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the slightly cooled melted butter. Use a fork or your fingertips to gently mix the ingredients until the mixture takes on the texture of wet sand. Aim for a delightful combination of fine crumbs and larger, chunky bits for that perfect crumble consistency. This blend ensures a robust base and a wonderfully textured topping.
Next, prepare your fresh strawberries. Wash, hull, and chop them into uniform pieces. Place the chopped strawberries in a separate bowl and sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes; this process, known as macerating, will draw out their natural juices and intensify their flavor. After 10 minutes, carefully discard any accumulated liquid at the bottom of the bowl. Then, stir in the vanilla bean paste (if using) and the strawberry jam, ensuring the berries are well coated for a truly jammy filling.
Line an 8×8 inch baking tin with parchment paper, making sure to leave ample overhang on the sides – this will serve as convenient handles later for easy removal. Take two-thirds of your prepared crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the lined baking tin. You can use the back of a measuring cup or a spoon to compact it. Once pressed, gently prick the base all over with a fork; this prevents it from puffing up too much during baking, ensuring a perfectly flat foundation for your bars.
Pre-bake the shortbread base to achieve optimal crispness. Transfer the baking tin with the pressed base into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the entire crust is set. While the base is baking, place the remaining one-third of your crumble mixture in the refrigerator or freezer. Chilling the topping will help solidify the butter, preventing it from spreading too much during the final bake and ensuring a distinct, crumbly texture.
Once the base is out of the oven and slightly cooled, carefully spread the macerated strawberry mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Ensure the strawberries form a uniform layer, reaching close to the edges but not overflowing. This juicy layer will become wonderfully jammy as it bakes, creating the irresistible heart of your crumble bars.
Retrieve the chilled crumble mixture from the refrigerator or freezer and evenly scatter it over the strawberry layer. The cold butter in the crumble will help maintain its shape and create distinct, crunchy clumps. Return the baking tin to the oven and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly and tender. This final bake ensures everything is cooked through and perfectly caramelized.
After baking, remove the strawberry crumble bars from the oven. It’s crucial to let them cool in the baking tin for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling period allows the bars to set and makes them easier to handle. Once slightly cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to gently lift the entire bake from the tin onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the large slab into individual bars. For cleaner cuts, ensure the knife is warm and wipe it between slices.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These easy crumble bars are incredibly versatile and delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them further. Enjoy them simply dusted with a light coating of icing sugar or a delicate grating of fresh lemon zest for a bright finish. For an extra touch of sweetness, a drizzle of a simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese glaze can be divine. Alternatively, serve them warm with a generous pour of warm custard, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. A hint of fresh mint can also add a refreshing garnish.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Proper storage is key to enjoying your strawberry crumble bars for longer. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
- **Room Temperature:** Store cooled strawberry crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. While they are delicious at room temperature, the shortbread base and crumble topping may soften slightly over time due to the moisture from the strawberry filling.
- **Refrigeration:** For extended freshness, transfer the bars to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Chilling them will help maintain a firmer texture, though the crumble may still soften a bit. Bring them back to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best experience.
- **Freezing for Longer Enjoyment:** These crumble bars freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy them weeks later.
- **Cool Completely:** Ensure the bars are completely cooled before freezing. Warm bars will create condensation, leading to freezer burn and an undesirable texture.
- **Individual Wrapping:** Wrap each individual bar tightly in a double layer of plastic cling film. This protects them from freezer burn and preserves their flavor.
- **Airtight Container/Freezer Bag:** Place the wrapped bars into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. This provides an additional layer of protection.
- **Freeze:** Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- **Thawing and Reheating:** To defrost, simply place the frozen bars on your kitchen counter at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm, freshly baked taste, reheat them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also quickly reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you’re in a hurry, though the crust won’t be as crisp.
Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Crumble Bars
Achieve bakery-quality results with these invaluable tips and tricks:
- **Parchment Paper Overhang is Key:** When lining your baking tin, always leave a generous overhang of baking paper on all sides. This thoughtful step creates convenient “handles” that make lifting the entire baked slab out of the tin incredibly easy and mess-free once it’s cooled.
- **Fresh Strawberries for Best Results:** For the most vibrant flavor and ideal texture, prioritize using fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries contain more water, which can potentially lead to a soggy filling and a less desirable outcome for your bars.
- **Don’t Skip Macerating the Strawberries:** Macerating fruit simply means letting it soften and release its juices. After sprinkling your chopped strawberries with sugar, allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes. This essential step not only amplifies their natural flavor but also transforms them into a more luscious, jammy, and juicy filling, preventing a dry or bland center. Remember to drain any excess liquid before adding the jam and vanilla.
- **Chill the Crumble Topping:** While the base is baking, make sure to transfer the reserved crumble topping to the refrigerator or freezer. Chilling the crumble solidifies the butter, which in turn prevents the topping from spreading too much during the final bake, ensuring you get those distinct, beautifully textured crumbs that define a perfect streusel.
- **Patience is a Virtue: Cool Before Slicing:** It’s tempting to cut into these delicious bars right out of the oven, but resist! The bars are quite soft and delicate when warm and will likely fall apart. Allow them to cool completely in the tin before attempting to slice them. For even firmer, cleaner slices, you can transfer the cooled strawberry crumble to the fridge for an hour or two to help it set more quickly and cleanly.
- **Don’t Overmix the Crumble:** When combining the dry ingredients with the melted butter for the crumble, mix just until it resembles wet sand with a mix of fine crumbs and larger clumps. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher crust and topping.
- **Evenly Press the Base:** Ensure the shortbread base is pressed firmly and evenly into the tin. An uneven base can lead to inconsistent baking and varying textures in your bars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Crumble Bars
Absolutely! Transforming this recipe into a gluten-free version is incredibly simple. You just need to substitute the plain flour with your preferred gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free to prevent any cross-contamination. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these two simple swaps the only adjustments needed for a delicious GF treat.
While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, you can certainly use frozen fruit. However, frozen strawberries have a higher water content, which can make the filling a bit more watery or runny. To counteract this, toss the frozen strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour (along with the sugar) before adding them to the base. The flour will help to absorb that extra moisture, ensuring a beautifully jammy and thick filling rather than a soggy one. Be sure to thaw and drain them before mixing with flour if you want to minimize excess liquid.
There are a few common reasons why your crumble topping might not be as crumbly as desired. The most frequent issue is incorrect ingredient ratios – either too much or too little flour, butter, or sugar. It’s crucial to stick to the exact quantities provided in the recipe card for the best results. Another key factor is over-mixing the crumble ingredients; you want a texture resembling wet sand with varying sizes of clumps, not a smooth dough. Gently combine with a fork or your fingertips until just mixed. Also, chilling the crumble mixture before baking, as suggested in our top tips, helps the butter solidify, leading to a much more distinct and crumbly streusel.
This recipe is perfectly suited for an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking tin. The dimensions are ideal for creating bars that are thick enough to hold their layers while still baking evenly. Using parchment paper with an overhang is highly recommended for easy removal and slicing.
Yes, these strawberry crumble bars are excellent for making ahead! They are often even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply bake, allow them to cool completely, then store them according to the storage instructions above. You can also prepare the crumble mixture and the strawberry filling a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these strawberry crumble bars, be sure to explore more of our delightful recipes that celebrate fresh fruit and comforting bakes:
- Best Homemade Strawberry Crumble
- Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Strawberry Coconut Ice Squares
- Strawberry White Chocolate Cheesecake
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram!
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Strawberry Crumble Bars
Equipment
- ▢ 8′ x 8′ baking tin
- ▢ baking paper
- ▢ mixing bowl
- ▢ small saucepan
Ingredients
- ▢ 220 g plain flour
- ▢ 100 g oats
- ▢ 200 g unsalted butter
- ▢ 150 g sugar, caster or granulated plus 1 extra Tbsp
- ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
- ▢ 400 g strawberries chopped
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste optional
- ▢ 4 tablespoon strawberry jam
Instructions
- Melt the butter. Place the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat and allow it to melt completely. Set aside to cool slightly to avoid cooking the flour when combined. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Lightly grease and line your 8×8 inch baking tin with baking paper, ensuring there’s plenty of overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
- Prepare the crumble mixture. In a large bowl, combine the plain flour, oats, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the slightly cooled melted butter. Use a fork, or your fingertips, to mix everything together until the mixture resembles wet sand with a desirable blend of fine crumbs and larger, chunky bits. This consistency is crucial for both the base and the topping.220 g plain flour, 100 g oats, 200 g unsalted butter, 150 g sugar, caster or granulated, 1 teaspoon salt
- Bake the shortbread base. Transfer two-thirds of your crumble mixture into the prepared baking tin. Press it down firmly and evenly to form a compact base for your bars. Use the back of a measuring cup or a spoon to create a smooth, level surface. Gently prick the base all over with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking. Place the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture into the freezer to chill until needed. Transfer the prepared base into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown color. Remove from the oven once done.
- Macerate and prepare the strawberry filling. While the base is baking, place your chopped fresh strawberries in a medium bowl. Sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of sugar and set aside for about 5 minutes. This maceration process helps to draw out natural juices and intensify the strawberry flavor. After 5 minutes, carefully discard any liquid that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl. Then, stir in the vanilla bean paste (if using) and the strawberry jam until all the strawberries are well coated.400 g strawberries, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, 4 tablespoon strawberry jam
- Assemble and finish baking. Evenly spread the prepared strawberry filling over the pre-baked shortbread base in the baking tin. Retrieve the chilled crumble topping from the freezer and scatter it uniformly over the strawberry layer. Return the tin to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the strawberry filling is visibly bubbly and jammy. This indicates the fruit is tender and cooked through.
- Cool, slice, and enjoy! Once baked, carefully remove the strawberry crumble bars from the oven. Allow them to cool completely in the baking tin for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the layers to set. Using the overhanging parchment paper, gently lift the entire slab of bars out of the tin and transfer it to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into desired individual slices. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife clean between each slice.
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams for accuracy. I highly recommend using digital scales for the most precise results. While a conversion to US customary units is provided in the recipe, please be aware that I have not personally tested the recipe using these conversions.
Video Tutorial
Watch this helpful video to guide you through each step of making perfect strawberry crumble bars. Visual demonstrations can make the process even easier!
(Video content would be embedded here, e.g., using an iframe with a YouTube link, or simply a placeholder if interactive video functionality is removed)
Notes
Strawberry crumble bars are best stored in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 days, or in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be aware that the shortbread crust and crumble topping will naturally soften slightly over time due to moisture from the fruit filling.
For longer preservation, these bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing. Wrap each individual slice tightly in a double layer of clingfilm, then place them into freezer bags or an airtight freezer-safe container. To serve, thaw them on the kitchen counter until they reach room temperature, or reheat them gently in the oven for about 10 minutes for a warm treat.
Top tips for success:
- When lining your baking tin, always ensure you leave plenty of overhanging baking paper. This creates easy “handles” that will make lifting and removing the entire bake from the tin much simpler once it’s cooled.
- For the most vibrant flavor and ideal texture, always strive to use fresh strawberries. Frozen strawberries, while convenient, have a higher water content that can lead to a soggy consistency in your bars.
- Macerating the strawberries is a crucial step. After sprinkling the chopped fruit with sugar, let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This process allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, intensifying their flavor and making the filling wonderfully jammy. Remember to drain off any excess liquid before adding jam and vanilla.
- Always keep the reserved crumble topping in the freezer until you are ready to use it. Chilling the butter in the crumble prevents it from spreading too much during baking, ensuring distinct, crispy crumbs on top.
- Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely before attempting to slice them. Cutting them while warm will result in soft, crumbly pieces that fall apart. For even cleaner, firmer slices, you can transfer the fully cooled strawberry crumble to the fridge for about an hour to help it set more quickly.
Nutrition Information
This post was originally published in May 2021. It has been thoroughly updated with new photos, a revised recipe, and additional helpful tips in January 2024 to provide you with the best possible baking experience.